Diversity at Bethel
We are called to create a more equitable, just, and hopeful future—together.
At Bethel, we strive to cultivate a Christ-centered community that fosters flourishing for all. We are committed to providing an academically excellent, faith-transforming education that prepares students to emulate the life and teachings of Jesus in their churches, workplaces, and communities. At the very heart of Jesus’ message is the command to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves—and it is this command that serves as the justification and motivation for our diversity and reconciliation work.
Programs, partnerships, and resources
We offer a variety of programming, partnerships, and resources that provide support and development opportunities to students from every walk of life.
- The BUILD Program is a two-year, residential certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities.
- The George Floyd Scholarship supports the education of the next generation of diverse leaders.
- The Bethel/Frogtown and Summit-University Community Partnership provides students with the opportunity to live, learn, serve, and engage with the Frogtown community in St. Paul.
- The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services ensures that students with disabilities have equal access and opportunity to the university and its programs.
- Our Intercultural Programs and Services exist to meet the needs of underrepresented students as they acclimate to college life, engage in campus activities, and grow academically and spiritually.
- Our International Programs and Services support international and third culture students as they adjust to living and learning in the United States.
Academic integration
At Bethel, faith, learning, and life are deliberately linked. Rooted in the authority of Scripture and committed to a living faith, we encourage students to think deeply, critically, and creatively about the world around them—and to use their God-given talents to make a difference in that world. Through our study abroad and off-campus programs, we offer more than 30 destinations where students can discover the diversity of God's creation.
While an appreciation for diversity and culture is woven into all of our academic curriculum, we also offer a variety of majors and minors with a special focus on intercultural understanding, justice, and reconciliatio
- Gender Studies
- Spanish
- Master of Divinity
- M.A. in Counseling
- MSW in Social Work
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Envisioning the Future
While we have made important strides toward making sure that Bethel is “Beth-El”—the House of God—for each student, employee, and guest who steps foot on our campus, our community also anticipates the good work yet to be done. Our vision for diversity at Bethel is rooted in the concept of shalom, a Hebrew word that describes the wellbeing of all people under the just and loving rule of Christ. Striving to bring about shalom in our community calls us to a remarkable kind of Christianity—one that convicts us to love our enemies as well as our friends and compels us to include those who have historically been cast out by society. With this vision in mind, we seek not the uniformity that drives out difference but the unity of the gospel, which proclaims that one day people from every nation, tribe, and tongue will worship together in the presence of Christ.